Indian stalwart defender Gouramangi Singh has revealed that the main reason he has decided to play for FC Pune City in the Indian Super League 2.0 has been the side's ambitions.
The 29-year-old centre-back was one of the strongest players for Chennaiyin FC in the previous edition of the ISL, as the Chennai-based ISL side stood first in the regular league season of the competition last year.
However, the Marco Materazzi-coached side were defeated in the semi-final by the Kerala Blasters.
Following the decent-but-unlucky campaign, Gouramangi – who has earned as many as 71 caps for the senior Indian National team – is now looking forward to a brand new season with the Maharashtra side.
"When I first spoke with the [Pune City] management, the first thing that I noticed is that they're very ambitious and quite clear with their thought process," Gouramangi told Indian Super League's official site.
"Since they lost out on the top 4 [Pune stood sixth] last year, they just want to assemble the best team and win as many games as possible."
The Manipuri defender, who turned out for fellow Pune outfit and I-League debutante Kalyani Bharat FC in the domestic season 2014-15, also mentioned that he is keen on playing under experienced English coach David Platt at Pune.
"I haven't spoken with him, but I've heard a lot about him. He's a great man. I'm trying to get to know him better."
The two-time SAFF Cup and Nehru Cup winner with the Indian Football Team is also looking ahead to doing what he has always done best – train hard and follow the coach's manual.
"I can't comment on what they need to improve on or not." Gouramangi added, when asked what Pune would need to improve on this year.
"For me, as a player, my duty is to train hard and follow my coach's instructions."
FC Pune are expected to make a mark in the ISL 2.0 as they have made some strong statements in the ISL player auctions held earlier this month.
The side snapped up the exceptional Indian duo, Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Jackichand Singh, and the North East connection is set to play a pivotal role as the trio combine to lead Platt's side ahead.
Meanwhile, the ISL franchisee have announced that will be making a big announcement on 30 July.
